Is your pavement looking a little pale? Find out what causes asphalt to fade and how to restore its black finish with these tips from American Asphalt, the Bay Area’s preferred commercial paving contractors.
Top causes of asphalt fading
- UV damage
- Oxidation
- Weather
- Traffic wear
How to restore faded asphalt and maximize your investment
- Resurface worn or damaged pavement
- Keep your pavement clean
- Apply regular sealcoating protection
Top Causes of Asphalt Fading
Why does asphalt turn gray? These factors, alone or in combination, are often to blame:
UV damage
Ultraviolet radiation from the sun breaks asphalt’s chemical bonds, accelerating oxidation and causing it to become hard and dull.
Oxidation
When asphalt surfaces wear down, the tar-like binder holding pavement together reacts with oxygen, leaving it brittle, gray, and prone to surface cracking.
Weather
Without proper protection, rain, wind, and hail can wash away fine asphalt surface particles, weakening pavement and making it more prone to cracking and water damage.
Traffic wear
Automobile and foot traffic, along with chemical spills and debris, speed up asphalt deterioration, leading to potholes and raveling that can significantly shorten its lifespan without proper care.
How to Restore Faded Asphalt and Maximize Your Investment
Our commercial paving contractors recommend these tips to bring dry, pale pavement back to life and keep it in optimal condition:
Refresh and restore your pavement with asphalt resurfacing
Asphalt resurfacing transforms pale, rough, and damaged surfaces into sleek, smooth, and glossy asphalt, extending its lifespan by 8-15 years and helping you avoid costly and premature asphalt replacement.
Keep asphalt clean
Wash your pavement every few months to remove debris and dirt that can worsen the impact of traffic and corrosive chemicals that can break down binders and accelerate the effects of asphalt oxidation.
Apply asphalt sealcoating regularly
Sealcoating forms a protective layer and preserves asphalt flexibility. Regularly applied every 2-3 years, it’s among the best ways to protect asphalt from sun and UV damage, prevent fading, and extend pavement lifespan.
Our talented team can restore your asphalt quickly, providing a thorough cleaning and making the necessary repairs prior to sealcoating to ensure smooth, dark, flawless finished results – the perfect canvas for new asphalt striping.
Ensure a Winning First Impression with Sleek, Beautiful Asphalt
Now that you know what causes asphalt to fade and how to restore its black finish, ensure it lasts for the long haul. Learn more about commercial pavement maintenance and sealcoating services from American Asphalt. Contact us at 510-723-0280 to schedule a pavement evaluation today.
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